Advent Reflections
In the second reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, St. Paul is referred to as “a slave of Christ Jesus.” The word slave to Paul means “one who is devoted to the service of another.” The apostle emulates what we are called to do and to become as Christians. In serving God, we submit to a duty that stems from our baptism.
Numerous works of art beautifully reflect Mary’s yes at the annunciation. Today, we hear of St. Joseph’s yes. When an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, telling him not to be afraid “to take Mary your wife into your home,” Joseph responds with action. “When Joseph awoke,” the Gospel tells us, “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his wife into his home.” As another account of the nativity, this is a wonderful story to share with children and teenagers. Becoming the foster father of Jesus was not something that was done to Joseph; he accepted his role with eyes of faith.
This week pray for stronger faith to continue to ponder the mystery that is God-among-us. The Lord is here, and he is yet to come. Salvation is promised, and it is near. Joyful expectation, indeed.
Excerpt © 2022 Liturgy Training Publications. 800-933-1800. Text by Patricia J. Hughes, dmin. Scripture quotations are from the New American Bible, revised edition. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
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Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 18, 2022
4 PM Vigil - St. James
9 AM - St. Elizabeth Seton & Livestreamed
*Masks strongly encouraged!*
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The Giving Manger
We invite our families in Faith Formation as well as all our parishioners to join us in our Advent Faith Activity. Create a simple manger for Jesus out of a basket or small box and fill it each day with straw or strips of paper every time you perform an act of kindness.
The Giving Manger is a tradition that focuses on preparing for Jesus' birth through acts of kindness and service to others. During Advent, a piece of straw (or other material like hay, yarn, paper, ribbon, etc.) is placed in the manger for each kind deed or act of service performed during Advent
Click on the link below to download "The Giving Manger" kit with samples acts of kindness for adults and children in your household.
When your manger is full at Christmas, please share pictures with us by email to reo@sjbrh.org.
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Advent Spirituality Opportunities |
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Third Annual Caroling Event
Join Members of the Music Ministry
in singing your favorite
Christmas Carols
Sunday, December 18 at 7:00 PM
We especially encourage families with children to participate in this precious tradition of singing these rich and wonderful songs about the birth of Christ and some popular Christmas season songs too.
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Advent Prayer
Wednesday Morning Prayer w/Music:
Streamed on Facebook Wednesdays at 5:00 AM and available after
Evening Prayer:
Streamed Monday - Friday on Facebook at 5:00 PM and available after
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Advent Rosary
Our parish community gathers to pray the rosary at St. James Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 AM and Saturday afternoons at 3:20 PM.
All are welcome!
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Advent Daily
Mass Schedule
Monday | 8:30 AM at Seton
Tuesday | 8:00 AM at St. James
Thursday | 8:00 AM at St. James
Friday | 8:30 AM at Seton
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Advent
Reconciliation Schedule
Mondays | 6:00 PM at Seton
12.18.22 | 4:00 PM at St. James
12.20.22 | 6:00 PM at St. James
12.22.22 | 6:00 PM at St. James
12.23.22 | 6:00 PM at Seton
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Saint Lucia's Braided Bread |
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This week, the Church lifts up St. Lucy, a fourth century martyr, whose name means “light” as the patron saint for those with eye disease. Legends tell of her courage in secretly bringing food to Christians who were hiding in catacombs under Rome to escape persecution. She wore a crown of candles to light her way so that her hands were free to carry her gifts. Lucy/Lucia is celebrated on December 13th with festive customs in many cultures. In Sweden her feast day is called Luciadagen. The oldest daughter in a family dresses up as St. Lucy and wakes the family with special breads. Follow St. Lucy's example of giving bread. Make or purchase two loaves of braided bread and adorn them with candles. Enjoy one and surprise a friend with the other. For a great recipe, Click Here.
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Advent Giving Opportunities |
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Food & Cereal
For Our Local Pantries
Households who struggle with hunger need our help year round. We continue to seek food and cereal donations for our monthly delivery to the Rocky Hill and Amazing Grace food pantries. Non-perishable food items and cereal boxes can be dropped off at either church location. Learn more here.
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Winter Clothing
Collection
The Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish Winter Clothing Collection continues. We accept Winter Clothing in clean, good to excellent condition. Place donations in the collection bin in the front foyer of St. James Church (behind the divider). Absolutely NO household goods.
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Inviting all Sewers, Knitters & Crocheters
The Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish Knit, Crochet, Sew & Pray Ministries serve our community in generous ways. We are open to anyone who has the skills to sew, knit or crochet or who would like to learn how. Whether you knit or crochet quickly or slowly, your help is welcome to fulfill the mission of spreading God’s love through our craft. It is our hope that those who receive our crafts will feel the love that goes into making each and every one of them. Our time together begins and ends with prayer and all creations are prayed over and blessed prior to being gifted. Learn more, Click Here.
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Christmas
Season Liturgy
Schedule
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Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24
4:00 PM at St. James**
(3:30 PM Concert)
4:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton
5:30 PM at St. James**
10:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton**
(9:30 PM Concert)**
Christmas Day
Sunday, December 25
9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton**
11:00 AM at St. James**
New Year's Eve~Mary, Mother of God
Saturday, December 31
4:00 PM at St. James
Mary, Mother of God
Sunday, January 1
9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton**
11:00 AM at St. James**
Epiphany
Saturday, January 7
4:00 PM at St. James
Sunday, January 8
9:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton**
11:00 AM at St. James**
** denotes Mass will also be livestreamed
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Job Opportunity
We are looking for a very part time housekeeper (2 hours per week) to tidy up our parish main office on 767 Elm Street next to the church. Hours are flexible and all necessary equipment is provided. No heavy lifting, just an eye for keeping things neat and clean. A perfect job to make a few extra bucks…without a lot of stress. We need to fill this position in the New Year. Please call Fr. George at 860-529-8655 or email frgeorge@sjbrh.org.
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Looking for a great read? Check out our selections in our Little Free Libraries located on both our church campuses! Take or leave a book! |
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Great news, we can text now!
Help us to stay connected and keep you up to date with the information you need to know about Faith Formation and St. Josephine Bakhita Parish.
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Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish
767 Elm Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
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